2012 Arbor Blacklist Used and Reviewed
In the last few years Arbor has managed to reinvent themselves by signing some solid riders, developing their System technology, and producing decks with graphics other than wood top sheets. It’s this new image that has allowed them to start making some amazing park decks. The Blacklist new for 2012 is one of those decks. This is the board hopes and dreams are solidified on. After two days of stunt sticking here’s how it stacked up.
Board: Arbor Blacklist
Size: 154
Camber Option: The Park System Rocker. Center reverse camber with added grip by not blending a tri-radial sidecut.
Bindings: Rome 390 Bosses
Stance: 22.5
Angles: 18 Negative 15 Goofy
Boots: K2 T1 DB
My Weight: 160
Resort: Breckenridge
Conditions: Sunny bluebird spring conditions that start with firm snow in the morning and soft slush in the afternoon.
Preconceived Notions: The first time I saw this board it stood out to me as being something new in Arbors line up and that I should ride it.
Flex: Slightly softer tips with a bit more stiffness between the bindings making it one of those solid twin park flexes.
Stability: I never once had an issue when charging through the spring mashed potato snow or the crazy ruts at the bottom of all the park jumps.
Ollies/Pop: Great snap off jumps, rollers, and lips. I’d say the Westmark has more snap but over all this deck still pops how you would want a park deck to.
Butterability: The slight blunted shape coupled with the slightly softer flex really lets you get down with playing around on the snow.
Cruising: The Griptech holds on edge better than some other companies sidecuts that utilize pronounced bumps. It’s location right under foot lets you ride like you’re on a skateboard. Railing hard turns isn’t an issue and leaving trenches in your path of destruction is do able.
Jibbing: The sweet spot on this board is massive. You can lock into a press with no issues at all. The softer flex gives you enough room to play around as much as you want.
Rider in Mind: Park guy that’s going from jumps to jibs and still playing around on the rest of the mountain. Great for a person with a bigger hoof as it’s a mid-wide.
Personal Thoughts: Hands down this is the best board I have ridden to date. In the Arbor line up I’ve found a new personal favorite that now tops my list of all time top 10 decks. From the first run it was like riding a board I’d been on for days. I could press, jump, play around, and still not feel like the board wasn’t enough to take elsewhere on the mountain.
What They Say: Powerful versatility in a mid-wide rocker package; the Blacklist is ideal for a park driven approach to any mountain or manmade terrain; bank on big return and the durability and control needed for technical tricks, big landings, and risky ventures…
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Hey Angry,
thought I should switch this to the blacklist comments
I’m searching around for a blacklist 154. 6’0 91kg or just on 200lbs. The arbor site rates 154 max weight at 194lbs or 88kg (it seems I fluctuate a little
) I was keen to keep rotation & pressing as easy as possible as i think my 161W K2 TD has felt like a truck but great for charging.
Would you foresee any problems or should I really be aiming for a 157 as it won’t be much difference.
any guidance appreciated.
Wish they had demo days here in Aus!
Euge.
Your call on that one.
What’s the difference btw this board and the Westmark? All I do is ride park rails to 40 ft kickers, which would you think?
If I have a size 9 boot would it be better just to go with the Westmark since it is not a Mid Wide board?
You answered your own question.
Lol thanks. Since I can’t demo these decks or have the luxury to have the companies send them to me, do you think since I only have size 9 boot I would even tell the difference between a mid wide board and a normal width board? If so what would be the difference. Sorry just curious since I just have to buy it and trust your opinion. No pressure.
When you go to mid wide you get more surface area and that can be personal preference. I like a mid wide with a 10 boot it’s just easier to land with in my opinion more fun on jibs. For you probably not going to be the best.
Hi Angry, I’m currently in the process of whittling a couple of thousand board choices down to one. I had almost decided on the Arbor formula 2012 having read your review on that, however having read this review on the Blacklist I am undecided again. Mainly due to time of year, but also location and local store stock, i cant demo boards therefore i ask for your advice.
This will be my first board, consider myself an early indeterminate, only started this beginning of this year and been using rentals at the indoor snow dome here (chillfactore manchester, UK). Wanting a board i can use across the whole mountain (for when i go on my first winter trip) but want to be able to freestyle – teach myself, and ride switch. I am around 5 foot 7-8″ 155lb, size 8 feet. I have thirtytwo lashed ft boots.
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks
You have a size 8 that Blacklist will be too wide, go with the Formula or maybe a Westmark instead.